C215 Generation CL55 Is Weird In A Uniquely Mercedes Way
The pillarless, gas-cap-holding, socket bulb utilizing, double-door-hinged C215 is different in the best way.
Despite most modern cars pretending to be innovative and unique, they are all a bit cookie-cutter. But the C215? That was a bit bonkers. The C215, especially when paired with AMG, was the perfect mix of Mercedes innovation, outside the box thinking, and brute AMG power.
The CL itself carried over a lot of features from its predecessor, the C140. But all of those features were turned to 11. Glass is still double pane, but now dual action. Both windows move a short amount from their formed seal to allow the door to open freely. And the door isn’t even normal. Because the door itself is longer than a Smart car (or at least it seems like it), it’s double hinged. So you can open it wide, but it give a door ding to the car parked 5 spots over.
Active ride control, active cruise control, pre-safe brake system are all present on this car, years before these kinds of things became options on other cars. After all, the S-class is the vessel that debuts technology long before they are common place.
Starting up that M113K engine can be done one of two ways. Key in ignition as usual, or with a starter button. Before Mercedes had their push button located where you’d think the ignition would be, their push button was on top of the gear shift. It was the first form of keyless-go. But if you forgot, and put the key in the ignition, the button won’t start the car. In the video, they think the button isn’t functioning.
But of course, the big thing was this car’s use of AMG’s most legendary engine. Just shy of 500 horsepower is on tap. Almost 20 years on, and the 2024 equivalent – GT 63 AMG coupe – makes less than 100 horsepower more. So realistically, you’re getting almost an entirely modern car… from 2006. Sure if you get the GT63 S you bump to 630 horsepower, but we all know the M113K is capable of that number with relative ease. So really the C215 is unique because it may stand as one of Mercedes peak designs.
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